A to Z Challenge 2013

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Insecure Writer's Support Group - The Idea

Happy New Year to everyone.Even though we're a few days into the new year, I decided to wait until now to put up my first post of the year. I decided to change how the Muse looks just because I felt like switching to something new. I also decided to make my post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group the one that starts this year off.

I recently got the last critique from my critique partners and although it was really great stuff, it was also a little bit of a punch in the gut. If that critique partner is reading this, understand that it's not your fault at all. You did a wonderful thing for me and now that I've had a moment to absorb everything, I completely understand the why's and how's. It's a great critique and will be very useful. But on first read, I do admit that I felt...not as good about my writing as I usually do.

There was one thing the critique partner said though that turned on a light bulb. I have a habit in my writing of coming up with a central idea for a story and then trying to reveal that idea slowly. I withhold little bits here and there, and I guess I'm trying to keep things mysterious. What it ends up being is an artificial curtain that I intend to whip aside in some kind of "Ta-da" moment.

After I thought through what the person was getting at with their comments (and got over the idea that I am a terrible writer who needs tons of help), I realized that I have been trying to hide the idea until the <em>right</em> moment when what I really should be doing is tossing the central idea out there and writing that idea's story. I need to just draw my reader in, put a spotlight on my characters, and tell the story. No curtain, no artificiality, just a good yarn for them to enjoy.

A critique where I learn something really solid about my writing is a great way to start the year. It does mean I have to change how I think a little bit, change how I write. But that's a constant process for all writers, so it's not a bad thing. In the end, I'm ready for a better year than the last, and hopefully I will somehow finish one of these WiPs.

Has anyone else had some cool epiphanies as the new year begins? Tell me all about it.

7 comments:

My last critique made me cut 4000 words out of the novel and it worked. The wordiness was gone and it flowed much better. So although we cringe as writers, critique is necessary. Better to get it done before it's published than after. Keep it up!

About Me

I'm luckily supported by a beautiful and understanding woman. Between her and my two wonderful boys, I find the reasons I need to keep up my attempts at writing. She's very effective at smacking that imp off my back, keeping me from doubting myself, and making me smile. Other than writing, I enjoy finding new & cool musicians/singers/artists, playing games with my sons, and occasionally playing a game or two by myself. Okay, more than occasionally.